Step into the light, lads.

Last week, I went ahead and predicted that the lads would keep things going. Which, I was sure, would mean a win. I think that was all pretty predictable from the trends.

This week, I can’t be as sure. If we give AZ a sniff, they’ll muscle through us and clinch their post-season berth.

Yet I am convinced that, given AZ’s injuries, we have a decisive talent edge. Play a good game and we win. The question is, will we compete enough to push back on AZ? That will be much tougher than against OAK or WASH.

Well, I will predict that we will do it. I think this team is stepping up. We’re not just stealing some games as we did the last 2 years. I think these guys are learning A) how good they are and B) what a team has to do to play actual winning football. I think we see that in the team right now. And the trend is at least 4 weeks old, with the SD loss being a blundered opportunity mixed with some excellence.

Then, I think we handle NYG decisively. (Barring injuries, of course.) I think this run of form and competitiveness is real enough to get it done. I think we secure an 8 win season going into SEA. (It’s too early to say anything about SEA.)

I think we’re there. The players are learning to step into the light. Perhaps more importantly, I think that the coaching staff has, at long last, figured out who their players are and how to get the best from them.

It’s all too late for post-season aspirations this year. That itself, I think, is a blown opportunity. But I do think they are in process of setting out their stall as a genuine competitor for next year. As much as that is possible at 8-8 (our likely final record).

All of that matters. Then, next year, there will be no flaming excuse for not winning 10 + games and competing in the playoffs.